Graffiti strikes in Alamosa

ALAMOSA — Several businesses and residences were tagged with graffiti over the past few days, and the Alamosa Police Department (APD) is pursuing the culprits.

On Sat., Nov. 9, an APD detective responded to a graffiti complaint at 913 Hunt Ave. and 502 Ninth St., according to APD reports. Both the property owners found “X3” written with black spray paint.

On the same day, the detective met with the property owner at 813 Hunt Ave. who also reported finding graffiti on a fence, according to APD reports, but instead of “X3” it read “ZETAZ” and “ZETAS.”

The word “ZETAZ” was also found painted on a shed located at 502 Ninth St. and on a vacant building located at 817 Eighth St., according to APD reports.

Two days later, an APD officer responded to a graffiti complaint at Rocky Mountain Head Start, formerly Boyd Elementary, on Hunt Ave. and found the word “ZETAS” spray-painted on the building’s south side, according to APD reports.

On Tues., Nov. 12, the same officer responded to a graffiti complaint at Atencio’s Market on State Ave. and found the word “ZETAS” spray-painted on the business’ southern wall.

Both “ZETAS” and “3X” are associated with gang activity and Mexican cartels.

Anyone with information about the graffiti criminal mischief offenses can anonymously contact Crimestoppers, 589-4111, or the APD, 589-2548